Compact tool-less general purpose graphic processing units (GPGPU) module

ABSTRACT

A computing device is provided with a slot that includes at least one locking element configured to receive a removable general purpose graphic processing unit (GPGPU) carrier. The GPGPU carrier includes a bracket with a first receiving space for securing a first GPGPU, and a second receiving space for securing a second GPGPU. The GPGPU carrier also includes a locking mechanism connected to the bracket and configured to secure the at least one locking element of the computing device to at least one securing mechanism corresponding to the at least one locking element. The locking mechanism includes a lever connected to gear drives configured to actuate the at least one securing mechanism upon actuating the lever.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/583,687 entitled “NEW GPGPU EASY SERVICE MODULE”, filed on Nov. 9,2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to general purpose graphic processing unit(GPGPU) carriers, and more specifically to compact and tool-less GPGPUcarriers.

BACKGROUND

General purpose graphic processing units (GPGPUs) are commonly utilizedto perform computation in applications traditionally handled by acentral processing unit (CPU). Even a single GPU-CPU framework providesadvantages that multiple CPUs on their own do not offer due to thespecialization in each chip. While GPUs operate at lower frequencies,they typically have many times the number of cores. Thus, GPUs caneffectively operate on pictures and graphical data far faster than atraditional CPU. Migrating data into graphical form, and then using theGPU to scan and analyze it, can result in profound speedup. In computerarchitecture, speedup is a process for increasing the performancebetween two systems processing the same problem. More technically, it isthe improvement in speed of execution of a task executed on two similararchitectures with different resources.

Removing a GPGPU from many types of computer systems today requirestools and involves pulling cables from cable sockets. Over time, orthrough incorrect usage, these cables or sockets become frail and canintroduce data transfer errors associated with the GPGPU in use.Installing a GPGPU is not any easier because it involves similarhardships.

Furthermore, a computer data center (also referred to as an Internetdata center or an enterprise data center) may contain a myriad ofcomputer systems utilizing various GPGPUs. The large number ofhigh-capacity GPGPUs in a data center poses significant problemsassociated with their removal and installation. The time and skillsinvolved in removing or installing GPGPUs without damage, in a datacenter, can become burdensome.

Accordingly, it is becoming extremely important for various reasons(such as data backup and generally a GPGPU) to be able to easily,quickly, and efficiently remove and install a GPGPU in a computersystem.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention concern compact and tool-less generalpurpose graphic processing unit (GPGPU) carriers. A computing device isprovided with a slot that includes at least one locking elementconfigured to receive a removable general purpose graphic processingunit (GPGPU) carrier. The GPGPU carrier can include a bracket with afirst receiving space for securing a first GPGPU, and a second receivingspace for securing a second GPGPU. The GPGPU carrier can also include alocking mechanism connected to the bracket and configured to secure theat least one locking element of the computing device to at least onesecuring mechanism that corresponds to the at least one locking element.The locking mechanism can include a lever connected to gear drivesconfigured to actuate the at least one securing mechanism upon actuatingthe lever.

In an exemplary embodiment of the computing device, the frame is securedto the bracket by at least one of fasteners, screws, and spot welding.In some embodiments of the computing device, the GPGPU carrier furthercomprises a PCIe interface connected to a PCIe cable.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises an armcomprising a spring and lock feature. In some embodiments, the springand lock feature interfaces with a corresponding locking element of thecomputing device upon securing the GPGPU carrier within the at least oneslot. In some embodiments, disengaging the spring and lock feature fromthe corresponding locking element disengages the locking mechanism. Insome embodiments, disengaging the locking mechanism comprisesdisengaging the at least one locking element of the computing devicefrom the at least one securing mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top isometric views of a GPGPU carrier according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2A is a top isometric view of a GPGPU carrier of FIG. 1, with thefirst and second GPGPUs installed according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the GPGPU carrier of FIG. 1 according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the GPGPU carrier of FIG. 1 according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3 show the GPGPU carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2 being inserted into aslot within a motherboard according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the latch of the GPGPU carrier engagingwith the locking mechanisms of the slot;

FIG. 5 shows the latch of the GPGPU carrier in the process of beingsecured to the locking mechanisms of the slot;

FIG. 6 shows the GPGPU carrier of FIG. 1 secured within the slot of themotherboard of a computing device;

FIG. 7 shows the latch of the GPGPU carrier secured to the lockingmechanisms of the slot;

FIG. 8 shows the latch of the GPGPU carrier in the process of beingreleased from the locking mechanisms of the slot;

FIG. 9 shows the latch of the GPGPU carrier being removed from the slotwithin the motherboard of the computing device; and

FIG. 10 shows the GPGPU carrier of FIG. 1 secured within the slot of themotherboard of a computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described with reference to the attachedfigures, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figuresto designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawnto scale, and they are provided merely to illustrate the instantinvention. Several aspects of the invention are described below withreference to example applications for illustration. It should beunderstood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methodsare set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. Onehaving ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readilyrecognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of thespecific details, or with other methods. In other instances, well-knownstructures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring theinvention. The present invention is not limited by the illustratedordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different ordersand/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not allillustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology inaccordance with the present invention.

As discussed above, there is significant interest in developing means toefficiently and reliably add or remove a GPGPU for a computer system. Inparticular, there is significant interest in developing means that: (1)do not require tools to install a GPGPU into a computer system; (2)minimize space requirements for the GPGPU in the computer system; and(3) reduce or eliminate instances of incorrect installation of theGPGPU, which can result in damage to the GPGPU, the computer system, orconnectors there between.

In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure contemplates a GPGPUcarrier design for a computer system and computer systems therefrom thataddress the foregoing requirements. In particular, the presentdisclosure contemplates: (1) a GPGPU carrier design that allows atechnician to easily and reliably install a GPGPU in the GPGPU carrier;and (2) a corresponding drive slot design for a computer system thatallows mechanical and electrical installation of the GPGPU in thecomputer system with minimal effort and training on the part of thetechnician. Such a design is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. While the presentapplication is directed towards a carrier for multiple GPGPUs, thepresent application can be expanded to any component that can becombined within a single carrier. This could realize space savings forthe server as some components can be placed in similar brackets.Further, coupling similar components within the same bracket asdescribed in the present disclosure enables service withoutdisconnecting the carrier's components.

FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a GPGPU carrier 100 according to anembodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the GPGPU carrier 100 includes a bracket102 with a first receiving space 104A and a second receiving space 104B.The first receiving space 104A can receive a first GPGPU 120. The firstGPGPU 120 can be inserted into the first receiving space 104A indirection 50. The second receiving space 104B can receive a second GPGPU130. The second GPGPU 130 can be inserted into the second receivingspace 104B in direction 51. The GPGPU carrier 100 can also include aframe 105. The frame 105 can be connected to the bracket 102 by knownconnection means. For example, the frame 105 can be secured to thebracket 102 by way of fasteners, screws, or spot welding. In someembodiments, the frame 105 and the bracket 102 can be made from a singleelement, such as plastic, metal, ceramics, and other high quality 3Dprinting materials.

The GPGPU carrier 100 and its components can be made of sheet metalusing conventional metal fabrication techniques such as bending,forming, and stamping. As a result, the GPGPU carrier 100 can be madevery inexpensively. Alternatively, the GPGPU carrier 100 and itscomponents can be made of aluminum alloy, steel alloy, or anycombination thereof. It should be realized that the GPGPU carrier 100and its components can be made of any material constructed to withstandvarying temperatures, and air flow of high velocity (from a plurality offan modules not shown). The materials mentioned above are only forexample, and not to limit this disclosure. A person having ordinaryknowledge in the art may flexibly select any material in accordance withthe disclosure.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate an example embodiment of the GPGPUcarrier 100 with the first GPGPU 120 and the second GPGPU 130 installedaccording to an embodiment. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 2A, alocking mechanism 200 can be located on the GPGPU carrier 100. Thelocking mechanism 200 can include a latch mechanism that includes alever 150 and an arm 140. The arm 140 is attached to a lever 150 by wayof fastener, screws or spot welding. The fastener, screws or spotwelding can be located at pivot point 151. The arm 140 can include alock feature 141. In some embodiments, the lock feature 141 can includea spring and lock feature. The locking mechanism 200 can also include aseries of gears 160A, 160B, 160C and 160D connected to the lever 150.The locking mechanism 200 can also include receiving elements 170A and170B configured to align the GPGPU carrier 100 within a computing device(as discussed below). The gears 160B and 160D can include gear pins 161Aand 161B, respectively configured to secure the GPGPU carrier 100 withinthe computing device (as discussed below).

In some embodiments, gears 160A and 160C can be mechanically connectedto the lever 150 by a rack 149 (shown in FIG. 3). Specifically, the rack149 (shown in FIG. 3) can include an initial teeth connected to gear160A and gear 160C. Gear 160A can be connected to gear 160C by the rack149 (shown in FIG. 3). Gears 160B and 160D can be directly connected togears 160A and 160C. Gears 160A and 160C can be mechanically connectedto receiving elements 170A and 170B. Thus, as the lever 150 is rotatedvia the arm 140, the gears 160A and 160C can be actuated to drive gears160B and 160D. The gears 160B and 160D can include gear pins 161A and161B, respectively. Upon actuating gears 160B and 160D, the lockingmechanism can lock to secure the GPGPU carrier 100 within a computingdevice (as discussed below). It should be noted that the lockingmechanism is not limited to the components listed herein. Furthermore,the locking mechanism can include any other mechanical features known inthe art. Thus, when the GPGPU carrier 100 is installed within a serverdevice (not shown), the first and second GPGPUs 120, 130 (from FIG. 1)can be connected to a mother board (discussed below).

FIG. 3 show the GPGPU carrier 100 of FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C insertedinto a slot 301 within a motherboard 300 according to an embodiment. Themotherboard 300 includes a slot 301 configured to receive a GPGPUcarrier 100 when both the first and second GPGPU 120, 130 (from FIG. 1)are installed. The GPGPU carrier 100 can be slid into the slot 301 indirection 70. The GPGPU carrier 100 can be aligned within the slot 301using guide pins 303A and 303B. The slot 301 is configured to receivethe GPGPU carrier 100 by aligning the guide pins 303A and 303B with thereceiving elements 170A and 170B. The motherboard 300 can also includetab features 304A and 304B configured to rise vertically from themotherboard 300. The tab features 304A and 304B can include securingelements 305A and 305B, respectively. The securing elements 305A and305B can be configured to secure the corresponding gear pins 161A and161B.

For example, the guide pins 303A and 303B can engage the receivingelements 170A and 170B when the GPGPU carrier 100 is inserted into theslot 301. In some embodiments, the receiving elements 170A and 170B caninclude a receiving space to receive the guide pins 303A and 303B. Upon,proper alignment enabled by the receiving elements 170A and 170B and theguide pins 303A and 303B, the locking mechanism 200 can be actuated todrive the gear pins 161A and 161B to interlock with the securingelements 305A and 305B of the tab features 304A and 304B. As the lever150 is rotated via the arm 140, the gears 160A and 160C can be actuatedto drive gears 160B and 160D. The gear pins 161A and 161B, located atgears 160B and 160D, can be rotated to interlock within the securingelements 305A and 305B. Thus, upon rotating the lever 150, the lockingmechanism 200 can secure the GPGPU carrier 100 within a computingdevice.

Once the gear pins 161A and 161B are interlocked with the securingelements 305A and 305B, the GPGPU carrier 100 is securely coupled to themotherboard 300. This is discussed in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 4-7. The connection facilitates an electrical connection betweenthe first and second GPGPUs installed within the GPGPU carrier 100 tothe motherboard 300.

FIG. 4 shows the locking mechanism 200 of the GPGPU carrier 100 in theunlocked position as the gear pins 161A and 161B (from FIG. 3) engagesthe securing elements 305A and 305B. In some embodiments of thedisclosure, the locking mechanism 200 can be spring loaded such that itreturns back to its original position, i.e., unlocked position, afterbeing engaged or disengaged to/from the locked position (discussed ingreater detail below). The locking mechanism 200 can include a latchmechanism that includes a lever 150 and an arm 140. The arm 140 caninclude a lock feature 141.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrates the process of securing the locking mechanism 200of the GPGPU carrier 100 within the slot 301 of the motherboard 300.Specifically, FIG. 5 shows the locking mechanism 200 of the GPGPUcarrier 100 in the process of being secured within the slot 301 (shownin FIG. 3) of the motherboard 300. FIG. 6 illustrates the lockingmechanism 200 of the GPGPU carrier 100 secured within the slot 301(shown in FIG. 3) of the motherboard 300. Finally, FIG. 7 illustratesthe lock feature 141 of the GPGPU carrier 100 secured to the lockingelement 302 of the motherboard 300. The lever 150 can be pulled downinto the horizontal (locked) position by the handle 140. In someembodiments, a technician can actuate the handle 140 during initialinstallation, repair process or replacement. Upon pulling the handle 140down in direction 61, the lever can be pulled in direction 81 actuatingthe locking mechanism 200 (as discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B and2C). Upon actuation of the locking mechanism 200, the lock feature 141can interface with a corresponding locking element 302. The lock feature141 can be configured as a spring latch that engages the correspondinglocking element 302 when the lever 150 is in a horizontal position. Thelock feature 141 disengages the corresponding locking element 302 whenthe spring latch is released.

Upon engagement with the corresponding locking element 302, the lockingmechanism 200 is in the locked position. However, the present disclosurecontemplates that any other type of mechanism can be used for latchelement 141. Further, although the exemplary GPGPU carrier 100 onlyillustrates a single latch element 141 at the handle 140, the presentdisclosure contemplates that the number and position(s) of lockingelements can vary. For example, a locking element may be located ateither distal ends of the handle 140 in the locked position.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrates the process of releasing the locking mechanism 200of the GPGPU carrier 100 from the slot 301 of the motherboard 300.Specifically, FIG. 8 shows the locking mechanism 200 of the GPGPUcarrier 100 in the process of being released from the slot 301 of themotherboard 300. FIG. 9 illustrates the locking mechanism 200 of theGPGPU carrier 100 released from the slot 301 of the motherboard 300. Thelock feature 141 disengages the corresponding locking element 302 whenthe spring latch is released. In some embodiments of the disclosure, thelocking mechanism 200 can be spring loaded such that it returns back tothe unlocked position, after the locking element 302 is disengaged.Thus, the lever 150 can be released into the vertical (unlocked)position by the lock feature 141. Upon disengaging the lock feature 141,the handle 140 can travel in direction 91.

The lever 150 can be released, disengaging the locking mechanism 200.Upon disengaging the locking mechanism 200, the lever 150 can drivegears 160A and 160C (shown in FIG. 2B). Gears 160B and 160D (shown inFIG. 2B) can be driven by gears 160A and 160C (shown in FIG. 2B) such torelease the gear pins 161A and 161B from the securing elements 305A and305B. Thus, as the lever 150 is rotated via the arm 140 in direction 91to release the GPCPU carrier 100 from the motherboard 300, the gears160A and 160C (shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C) can be actuated. Upon actuatingthe gears 160A and 160C, gears 160B and 160D can be driven to releasethe gear pins 161A and 161B. Upon release of the lock feature 141, thegear pins 161A and 161B are disengaged from the corresponding securingelements 305A and 305B. Upon disengagement with the correspondingsecuring elements 305A and 305B, the locking mechanism 200 is in theunlocked position. Moreover, the GPGPU carrier 100 can be removed fromthe slot 301 of the motherboard 300 in direction 90.

FIG. 10 shows the GPGPU carrier 100 (of FIG. 1) being inserted into aslot (not shown) within a motherboard 300 of a computing device 1000.Now that the configuration and operation of the GPGPU carrier 100 hasbeen described, the disclosure now turns to a description of theconfiguration and operation of motherboard slot for receiving the GPGPUcarrier 100. The GPGPU carrier 100 is configured in a locked positionwith both the first GPGPU and the second GPGPU installed according to anembodiment. The computing device 1000 can be a standalone computer, aserver, or any other type of computing device.

In this configuration, the interaction of the receiving elements 170Aand 170B of the GPGPU carrier 100 and the guide pins 303A and 303B ofthe motherboard 300 operates to cause the connector (not shown) of theGPGPU carrier 100 to engage the connector (not shown) of the motherboard300. It should be noted, that in some embodiments releasing the gearpins 161A and 161B (from FIG. 9) of the GPGPU carrier 100 and thesecuring elements 305A and 305B of the motherboard 300 does notdisconnect a connector. Thus, this allows a technician to service eitherthe first or second GPGPU, without disconnecting the GPGPU carrier 100from the motherboard 300.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosedembodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadthand scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of theabove described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention shouldbe defined in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respectto one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art, upon reading and understandingthis specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while aparticular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respectto only one of several implementations, such feature may be combinedwith one or more other features of the other implementations, as may bedesired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As usedherein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”,“includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used ineither the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms areintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device, comprising: at least oneslot, the at least one slot that comprises at least one securing elementconfigured to receive a general purpose graphic processing unit (GPGPU)carrier; and the GPGPU carrier for removable insertion into the at leastone slot, the GPGPU carrier comprising: a bracket comprising a firstreceiving space for securing a first GPGPU, a second receiving space forsecuring a second GPGPU, and a locking mechanism connected to thebracket configured to secure the at least one securing element of thecomputing device to a corresponding at least one engagement mechanism,the at least one securing element comprising a first securing elementand a second securing element, the at least one engagement mechanismcomprising a first drive gear including a gear pin and a second drivegear including a gear pin, wherein the locking mechanism comprises alever connected to a plurality of gear drives including the first drivegear and the second drive gear, the plurality of drive gears configuredto actuate the gear pins of the first and second drive gears to engagethe respective first and second securing elements upon actuating thelever, wherein the plurality of gear drives is connected to the levervia a plurality of teeth of a rack of the lever, and wherein the firstdrive gear and the second drive gear are located at different sides ofthe rack.
 2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein a frame is securedto the bracket by at least one of fasteners, screws, and spot welding.3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the GPGPU carrier furthercomprises at least one receiving element configured to receive acorresponding at least one guide pin located within the at least slot.4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanismfurther comprises an arm comprising a spring and lock feature.
 5. Thecomputing device of claim 4, wherein the spring and lock featureinterfaces with a corresponding locking element of the computing deviceupon securing the GPGPU carrier within the at least one slot.
 6. Thecomputing device of claim 5, wherein disengaging the spring and lockfeature from the corresponding locking element disengages the lockingmechanism.
 7. The computing device of claim 5, wherein disengaging thelocking mechanism comprises disengaging the at least one locking elementof the computing device from the at least one securing mechanism.
 8. Ageneral purpose graphic processing unit (GPGPU) carrier comprising: abracket comprising a first receiving space for securing a first GPGPU, asecond receiving space for securing a second GPGPU; and a lockingmechanism connected to the bracket configured to secure at least onesecuring element of a computing device to at least one correspondingengagement mechanism of the GPGPU carrier, the at least one securingelement comprising a first securing locking element and a secondsecuring element, the at least one engagement mechanism comprising afirst drive gear including a gear pin and a second drive gear includinga gear pin, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lever connected toa plurality of gear drives including the first drive gear and the seconddrive gear, the plurality of drive gears configured to actuate the gearpins of the first and second drive gears to engage the respective firstand second securing elements upon actuating the lever, wherein theplurality of gear drives is connected to the lever via a plurality ofteeth of a rack of the lever, and wherein the first drive gear and thesecond drive gear are located at different sides of the rack.
 9. TheGPGPU carrier of claim 8, wherein a frame is secured to the bracket byat least one of fasteners, screws, and spot welding.
 10. The GPGPUcarrier of claim 8, wherein the GPGPU carrier further comprises at leastone receiving element configured to receive a corresponding at least oneguide pin located within the computing device.
 11. The GPGPU carrier ofclaim 8, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises an armcomprising a spring and lock feature.
 12. The GPGPU carrier of claim 11,wherein the spring and lock feature interfaces with a correspondinglocking element of the computing device upon securing the GPGPU carrierwithin the at least one slot.
 13. The GPGPU carrier of claim 12, whereindisengaging the spring and lock feature from the corresponding lockingelement disengages the locking mechanism.
 14. The GPGPU carrier of claim13, wherein disengaging the locking mechanism comprises disengaging theat least one locking element of the computing device from the at leastone securing mechanism.
 15. The computing device of claim 1, wherein thelocking mechanism is actuated to drive the first locking element and thesecond locking element to interlock with the first locking element andthe second locking element, respectively.
 16. The computing device ofclaim 1, wherein the lever comprises a lock feature to be secured to alocking element of a motherboard for the GPGPU.